Published:  00:00 Tuesday - September 15, 2009

A variety of activities and events will be held during the 2009 Mid-Autumn festival in Hanoi's old quarter, scheduled to take place from September 19 to October 3.

The annual traditional festival will be held over a large area, from the main gate at Dong Xuan Market through Dong Xuan and Hang Giay streets to Hang Ma, Hang Luoc and Hang Dao.

In both Hang Ma Street and Dong Xuan Market, stands will be set up to sell goods such as sweets and cakes, children’s toys and souvenirs.

The highlights of the festival will be a ceremony held in the old quarter on October 2, which is also the 15^th day of the eighth lunar month. Traditional games and folk arts, including a procession of lanterns, lion dances and art performances will take place along with a party featuring traditional festival cakes and fruits.

Held annually since 2004, the festival aims to uphold traditional culture and honour the historical value of Hanoi’s old quarter as a national cultural site.